Electric Guitar Body Woods... What's the Difference?

Greetings RFGE Readers! 

In our last few blog posts, we’ve discussed the different types of woods used to make acoustic guitars.  Today, we’re going to shift gears and talk about electric guitars and their body woods. The wood used in an electric guitar body plays a vital role in shaping its tone, weight, and aesthetic appeal. Different woods offer unique tonal characteristics, making them ideal for specific styles of music. Here’s a look at some of the most common woods used for electric guitar bodies and examples of famous guitars crafted from them.

Alder

Alder is one of the most popular woods for electric guitar bodies, particularly in Fender models. Known for its light weight and balanced tonal profile, alder offers a bright, clear tone with prominent mids, making it ideal for rock, blues, and pop. The Fender Stratocaster, released in 1954, is a prime example of an alder-bodied guitar. Its resonant, cutting tone has made it a favorite of guitar legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The wood’s tonal balance is well-suited to various playing styles, making it one of the most widely used woods in guitar construction.

Ash

Ash is another wood commonly used for electric guitar bodies, valued for its bright, percussive sound. It typically has an open grain that can be highlighted with different finishes. Ash offers a strong midrange and a slightly scooped high end, making it perfect for genres like rock and country. The Fender Telecaster, one of the most iconic electric guitars, is often made from ash. Since its debut in the early '50s, the Telecaster has been known for its sharp, punchy tone, and many renowned players such as Keith Richards and Bruce Springsteen have embraced it. Its sound is a result of the resonance and clarity provided by the ash body.  Another example would be the aptly named PRS Swamp Ash Special.

Mahogany

Mahogany is a dense, dark wood known for its warm, mellow sound, which emphasizes the midrange frequencies. Heavier than both alder and ash, mahogany provides a fuller, richer tone with great sustain, making it a favorite for genres like rock and metal. The Gibson Les Paul, introduced in the 1950s, is perhaps the most famous example of a mahogany-bodied guitar. Known for its thick, full-bodied sound, the Les Paul has become synonymous with rock music, with iconic players like Jimmy Page, Slash, and Les Paul himself shaping its legacy.  The PRS Standard 24 is also one of the finest examples of a mahogany body electric today.  The combination of mahogany’s warmth and sustain has made the Les Paul a staple in the music world.

Maple

Maple is frequently used for guitar necks and tops, but when used for the body, it offers a bright, sharp tone with excellent sustain. The wood’s density and tight grain allow for a clear, bell-like quality, especially in the high frequencies. One famous guitar that uses maple in its construction is the Gibson Flying V. Introduced in 1958, the Flying V features a maple body paired with a mahogany neck, delivering a bright and biting tone that was perfect for the heavier rock sounds of the era. Players like Jimi Hendrix and Dave Davies of The Kinks have been associated with the Flying V's distinctive sound.  Gibson also is responsible for the Les Paul Standard, et al, which features a maple cap on a mahogany back.  Similarly, from PRS, the McCarty 594 and Custom 24 also have a maple cap on a mahogany back.

Basswood

Basswood is a lighter, softer wood that produces a smooth, even tonal profile with less emphasis on the bass frequencies. Its neutral sound allows other elements, such as pickups, to have more influence on the overall tone. Basswood is often found in more affordable guitars, but it offers excellent playability and versatility. The Ibanez RG series, known for its shredding capabilities, is one example of a basswood-bodied guitar. Popular with metal and progressive rock players like Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, basswood’s light weight and smooth tone have made it ideal for fast-playing styles.

Poplar

Poplar is another light, relatively soft wood often used in budget-friendly electric guitars. It has a balanced tonal response, with a slightly scooped midrange, making it a versatile option for different genres. Though less prominent than other woods, poplar provides a good balance of warmth and clarity. Fender’s Squier Stratocaster line often uses poplar for its body. While less expensive, the poplar Stratocaster still delivers the tonal characteristics that made the original Strat famous, offering a great starting point for beginners and intermediate players alike.

Walnut

Walnut is an exotic wood that has gained popularity for its unique visual appeal and rich, warm sound. The wood offers pronounced lows and a smooth top end, making it suitable for players seeking a full, resonant tone. Certain PRS Custom 24’s are one famous example of a walnut-backed guitar, combining walnut’s warmth with a maple top to achieve a balanced tone. Players appreciate walnut’s striking appearance and tonal richness, making it a premium choice for high-end instruments.

Other Exotic Woods

In addition to common woods like alder and mahogany, some high-end guitars use exotic woods like koa, rosewood, and ebony. Koa offers a bright yet warm tone with a focused midrange and is featured in guitars such as the Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s. Rosewood and ebony are more often used for fingerboards but are also used for bodies in select premium models. These woods contribute to both the tonal depth and the visual appeal of the instrument, making them popular in custom and boutique guitars.

So as you can now see, the wood used for an electric guitar body greatly influences its tone, weight, and overall sound. Whether it’s the balanced tone of alder, the warmth of mahogany, or the sharp attack of maple, each wood has distinct characteristics that suit different playing styles and genres. Guitars like the Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul, Paul Reed Smith, and Ibanez RG series have become icons partly because of the thoughtful selection of wood, demonstrating just how important the right material is in crafting the perfect electric guitar.

Thanks for reading and we hope to see you at the shop soon!

Nick Lyons

General Manger RFGE